Yet again I find myself having to show a massive token of gratitude and thanks to Bill Poteet from Sennheiser. For he very graciously allowed me to review these very new and very popular offerings from Sennheiser. So my friend I humbly thank you and to Sennheiser keep on making some outstanding products!
The Opening Experience
I unfortunately cannot provide an opening experience section for this headphone for I was delivered a review unit that solely consisted of the headphone and carrying case. But my experience from opening the carrying case was that of “my goodness these things are huge just like the case”.
Construction
Other than the absolute top tier models Sennheisers construction has so far been merely acceptable to me, so I didn’t have too high of expectations when I received these. But man was I caught off guard, these cans are built like a tank! I mean absolutely top notch, The HD630vb is built almost exclusively out of very nice aluminum with minimal plastic. The variable bass notch is buttery smooth and feel quite sturdy.
The cable despite being respectably thick, it feels somewhat cheap to me. I’ve no worries about the construction of it regardless but it just doesn’t feel premium, and what more and this however is HUGE; the cable does NOT detach. It’s one of the only Sennheiser products I’ve tried that has the cable permanently attached. I personally really dislike this for 1.) it removed the ability to add on a better quality cable and by far the most important 2.) if you shear the cable, you’re S.O.L.
The microphone is built nice and I’ve received no negative feedback about its quality. Another really great thing I’m going to sincerely miss with the HD630vb is the fact that the controls on the side work perfectly with I AND Android products! Lastly on a small side note, these are the first headphones that have the name branded facing the opposite direction. What I mean by this is traditionally (i.e. with EVERY other headphone I've used) the name faces the direction that if you can read it, that's the way you put it on your head. But the HD630vb has Sennheiser facing forward.
Comfort
Probably the second most important thing to me just under sound quality. But how long can I comfortably wear these without them providing me any discomfort? When it comes to the HD630vb that’s about 2 hours, which is acceptable but not outstanding. The headband provides just the right amount of give to keep my head off the aluminum band. However the earpads are a bit stiff and add that to the slightly above average clamping force and it can become uncomfortable for some in varying times. As said for me that was usually 2 hours before I had to take them off and take a break.
Sound
Alas, here we are. The ever hyped and talked about Sennheiser HD630vb with variable bass output. So how to these sound? Well definitely not worse than other products in this price point but certainly not better than everything either.
The soundstage is respectable, it sounds evenly spaced but the layering within the soundstage is quite impressive. While listening to one of my favorite tracks “Pirates Of The Caribbean” by the Rhapsody Philharmonic I was able to discern each individual instrument for a pretty impressive amount of time. I just wish they didn’t sound so close, they weren’t in my face but I have heard more airy even in the closed back category.
The imaging and transparency, when I allow them, are very impressive. When I want to be swept away by the music these most certainly will but they won’t force your eyes closed and demand attention. But how about the individual aspects? How will they make you feel?
Treble
I really like the treble in the 630vb. It extends to a very comfortable level but has a really nice smoothness to it. I doesn't sparkle or give me chills but it's just really nice to listen to.
Now, when I'm using these for gaming everything ties really well in together. The detail reproduction of the higher notes really brought realism to the wind as I raced along on my sparrow in Destiny.
Mids
The mid section isn't really anything to go crazy about. They're about the same as most other headphone within this price point and possess a small but notable dip as to emphasize the treble and bass.
From a personal non professional standpoint I was honestly a little let down. Sennheiser has always had some of the best mids to me but the HD630vb doesn't stand out to me at all.
Bass
This section I will have to refrain from writing a complete review of seeing the variability in the bass response that relies entirely on which setting the user decides and my choice may be completely different from your.
Now I can and will provide a summary of the minimum and maximum setting for those will remain the same.
On the lowest setting the bass response is still moderately forward and present. It's quite controlled with the level of punch it provides and between this and about ⅓ max is where I personally leave it. When it's on its maximum setting the mid-bass and some of the sub-bass is super heavy, WAY more than I like it and actually it is very similar to the Beats Pro but MUCH more controlled and clean. If you're a bass head then the HD630vb on max should satisfy you quite nicely.
Conclusion
The Sennheiser HD630vb most certainly falls into the “fun” category of headphone. They possess a richness about them that is enjoyable to listen to especially with gaming but falls into the range of average when compared to other “audiophile” grade headphone in this price range.
The variable bass ability can really benefit households that will have multiple users with different flavors of bass enjoyment. The built quality and design give it the ability to stand out from the crowd and ability to handle a house with, younger, audiences.
My final thoughts is the HD630vb is THE headphone to bring the Beats lovers into the world of hi-fi and I wouldn’t be surprised a bit if that was the intent.
Till next time my friends, no unboxing video for this one but def check out my YouTube review though!